All of the knowledge and resources from local experts with years of experience caring for seniors will be available during the inaugural Senior Advocacy Group of Ahwatukee’s Symposium at the Pecos Community Center.

The Senior Advocacy Group of Ahwatukee (SAGA) is made up of local experts, business owners and church groups who came together to share resources and expertise on helping to care for seniors, especially in Ahwatukee Foothills. On Saturday, Nov. 3 they’ll share what they’ve learned through months of meeting and talking together.

From 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. seniors and their caregivers will have a chance to hear from more than 20 educators and take part in break-out sessions covering topics like financial planning, Medicare changes, senior living options, veterans improved pensions, and more.

The symposium is meant to help caregivers have a little bit of relief from the confusion of planning for their loved one.

Ahwatukee Foothills resident Joe Drozdowski was one of the first to sign up for the symposium. He said he’s excited to have all of those resources in one place.

“When Arlene Cummings at the Pecos Senior Center told me about the upcoming SAGA symposium I felt like it was answering my request for more caregiver information,” Drozdowski said. “I plan on being there with pen and paper and two ears trying to learn one more thing, get one more tip, one more shortcut, or make one more connection to make mom’s life easier. It’ll be worth more than all the confusion on the telephone and computer that I experience on a regular basis.”

Adam Potash, a hospice nurse for more than 18 years, said the symposium will be helpful to caregivers not only for information, but also for support.

“It’s imperative a caregiver feel secure in the fact they’re not alone, while also being confident my co-workers and I are always there to support them,” Potash said. “This mindset can be adapted and applied to any caregiver in any setting. In the end not only is the patient’s journey a lot smoother, but those caregivers left behind in the aftermath will normally do better dealing with their own grieving process.”

The symposium is free, with a $10 suggested donation, but organizers do ask that attendees RSVP by Oct. 30 because breakfast and lunch will be provided. Residents can RSVP by calling (602) 248-9027. Participants can also register online at www.eventbrite.com/event/4289114858.